ST. LOUIS—The American Optometric Association (AOA) is calling on optometrists to take part in "Save Your Vision Month" this March, aiming to generate public incentive to protect vision and obtain quality vision care across the U.S. In advance of the initiative, Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation is offering ODs the opportunity to sign up, purchase campaign materials or make donations on the Foundation website.

Support materials include a Save Your Vision Month kit which features wristbands, balloons, posters, stickers, fact sheets for patients and tips and materials for ODs to promote the Save Your Vision Month initiative at their businesses. Save Your Vision Month kits are priced at $25 and proceeds will help support Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation and its programs to help families across the nation access quality vision care.

ODs may also participate in Save Your Vision Month this March by donating a portion of their exam fees or sales for the month ($2 to $5 per exam or frame sale) or by donating directly to the Foundation.

Optometry Cares is a philanthropic and charitable organization tied with the AOA that promotes the expansion of eye health and access to vision care for all in the U.S. via volunteer leadership and donations to its two community health programs, Vision USA and InfantSee, Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief, scholarship grants for educational assistance and maintenance of the Archives and Museum for the optometric profession. To make a donation, visit www.aoafoundation.org.

To participate in Save Your Vision Month, fill out a signup form online and mail to Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Floor 1, St. Louis, Mo. 63141, fax to (314) 991-4101 or email to Foundation@aoa.org. For questions, purchases or donations by phone, contact Dennis Holter at (314) 983-4138.